Selected to the first team as a wide receiver, Talianko, a junior, was the Golden Knights' unquestioned go-to wideout and lived up to that weighty responsibility with numerous big plays against a backdrop of overall consistency.
"One of my preseason goals was to hopefully make the first team, so it felt good to accomplish one of my goals," said Talianko, who was a second-team pick as a sophomore. "I knew I could [handle being the No.1 option on offense], I never really questioned myself or thought I should do anything [differently]. Obviously, I worked hard in the offseason and was mentally prepared for every game.
"I love high school football. It's a blessing that I've been able to be on this team for two years already and I'm really excited to spend one more year with this team."
Talianko finished with 17 touchdowns on the season and had 946 yards receiving on 59 catches.
"His numbers are very impressive," St. Francis Coach Jim Bonds said of Talianko, who also played safety and recorded 25 tackles. "To me, last year, as a sophomore, with Dietrich [Riley] on board and Justin [Posthuma], he was kind of our third weapon and snuck up on some people and surprised a few people with his numbers. The thing that's impressive about this year is that he was our go-to guy in every crucial situation and he was still able to have a phenomenal year.
"He's just a great athlete and every time we needed a big play, we were calling his number and he always came through."
Whether at left or right tackle, Carroll, a senior, anchored the Golden Knights' offensive line and was named All-Mission League Most Valuable Lineman despite missing four games due to injury.
